John O'Leary

John O'Leary

Keynote Speaker: Resilience & Personal Development Expert; Author of "On Fire" & "In Awe"; Host of "Live Inspired Podcast"

John O'Leary Biography

John O'Leary's story is rooted in a childhood accident that resulted in severe burns over his entire body. At age 9, O'Leary survived a home explosion caused by playing with fire and gasoline, leading to extensive hospitalization, numerous surgeries, and the loss of his fingers. With the support of his family, faith, and community, he relearned basic skills and developed a sense of purpose that influenced his future work in motivational speaking, resilience, and personal development.

O'Leary earned a bachelor's degree from St. Louis University and later completed a chaplaincy program, serving as a hospital chaplain for three years. His recovery journey was first chronicled in the book "Overwhelming Odds," written by his parents, which has sold nearly 100,000 copies and introduced his story to a broad audience. This public interest led to O'Leary's own work as an author and speaker.

O'Leary is the author of "On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life," a national bestseller, and "In Awe," which also reached #1 on bestseller lists. Both books focus on overcoming adversity, cultivating gratitude, and finding inspiration in everyday life. His story was adapted for the screen in the movie "Soul on Fire," which depicts his survival and transformation following a childhood burn accident.

O'Leary hosts the "Live Inspired Podcast," which features guests from various fields, including Brené Brown, Mitch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Bob Costas. The podcast has surpassed 7 million downloads and is recognized in the personal development and leadership space. O'Leary has delivered keynote speeches and motivational presentations to audiences across all 50 states and internationally, addressing topics such as leadership, resilience, workplace safety, healthcare, education, and personal growth.

O'Leary's approach centers on celebrating the individuals who supported him and highlighting the importance of perspective in overcoming adversity. As a speaker, author, and podcaster, he shares insights on resilience, gratitude, and living with intention, aiming to inspire audiences to realize their potential and approach life with renewed energy and purpose.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on John O'Leary and other top speakers and celebrities.

John O'Leary Speaking Topics

IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy

Based on his #1 bestselling book, John O’Leary shows us how to rediscover our childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy.

There was a time when we once joyfully raised our hand high to answer every question, believed that anything was possible and fearlessly jumped into new experiences. When we danced through our days in awe of the ordinary moments of the day and eager for the promise of tomorrow.

Unfortunately, many of us experience life very differently today. With engagement within our professional organizations waning and burnout rising, many of us find ourselves caught in a life of dogged responsibility and mind-numbing repetition at work and at home. We feel disconnected and depleted.

In this talk, based on his latest book In Awe, John:

  • Invites us to return to the joy and creativity of navigating life like a child
  • Defines the five senses children innately possess, explains why those senses fade, and shares emotional, humorous, and inspirational stories of how we can return to them.
  • Identifies the most substantial interpersonal challenges we face in living more fully and calls out the roots of those challenges, while providing practical and inspired solutions to address them.

ON FIRE: Ignite a Radically Inspired Life

Best-selling author John O’Leary reminds us that just because we got out of bed this morning, does not mean that we are truly living.

We live in a world where “accidental living” – mindlessly moving through routines, wasting countless hours on social media, or complaining about what’s wrong in our jobs, families, and society – has become the norm. But John reminds us that just because we got out of bed this morning, does not mean that we are truly living.

What would our day, impact and output look like if we lived a radically inspired life, every, single day? Living radically inspired means you learn from past mistakes, rise above challenges, and thrive no matter the circumstances.

No one embodies this more than powerhouse inspirational speaker John O’Leary - who was nearly killed in a devastating fire at age nine.

In this talk, John:

  • Shares the critical truth that “inflection points” - moments in time that change everything that follows - occur daily.
  • Empowers audiences through mighty examples that life has far less to do with what happens to us, and much more to do with how we respond.
  • Uses key questions to explore the difference between a victim and victor mindset, sharing tactics for how to apply them in ways that can catalyze transformational growth in life and in your organization.

THE POWER OF ONE

In John O’Leary’s most popular keynote, the #1 bestselling author shows us how one attitude, one action and one person can absolutely change the world.

John was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, he created a massive explosion in his garage and was burned on 100% of his body. Given less than 1% chance of survival, John is proof of the power of the human spirit.

His unlikely recovery meant a journey of pain and loss that could have easily been insurmountable. However, far from being an example of someone who simply endured tragedy, John is a luminous example of thriving through adversity.

And surprisingly, this “survivor” story isn’t focused on John – rather, it is a celebration of heroes who intimately served him and his family. From a dedicated Hall of Fame sports announcer to a visionary burn nurse (and countless others), every individual involved in this 1987 fire teaches us this truth: One person can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

In this talk, John uses emotional storytelling and unexpected humor to:

  • Remind us of the profound significance of daily attitudes, the power of gratitude, and the impact of serving others with courage.
  • Revitalize engagement by reminding us that our work matters to our loved ones, our organizations and our communities.
  • Reawaken audiences to realize the gift of today and the possibility of tomorrow.

BE THE LIGHT

Bestselling author John O’Leary encourages us to lean into our faith and follow our calling to ‘Be the Light’ in the modern world.

With the current global tensions, political unrest, fragmented communities and intensifying violence, today’s world can feel dark sometimes. No one understands the importance of having light in a dark world more than powerhouse inspirational speaker John O’Leary- who was nearly killed in a devastating fire at age nine. Today, John inspires 50,000+ people each year around the world at live and virtual events. In his faith-focused keynote Be the Light, John reminds us that light pushes back darkness, love destroys evil, God still reigns, and the best is yet to come. Most importantly, we’re reminded that we are called to be the light.

In his keynote, John shares the keys to empower us to fulfill this calling. John’s poignant storytelling is a blend of emotion, humor and authenticity. His faith testimony beautifully illustrates the power of prayer and God’s presence during our times of greatest challenge.

In this talk, John helps audiences to:

  • Energize their faith.
  • Hear an outside perspective on religious concepts.
  • Brainstorm ways to re-engage withdrawn community members.

John O'Leary Videos

Soul On Fire - Official Trailer
On Fire | John O'Leary
SAISD Convocation 2017 - Keynote by John O'Leary

How do I book John O'Leary to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John O'Leary for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John O'Leary, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John O'Leary or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book John O'Leary for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for John O'Leary, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book John O'Leary are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire John O'Leary, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does John O'Leary speak about?

John O'Leary is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Success, Personal Growth, Business, Business Leadership, Social Activism, Philanthropy, Human Resources, Healthcare, Virtual, Motivational, Leadership, Overcoming Adversity, Corporate Culture and Inspirational.

Where does John O'Leary travel from?

John O'Leary generally travels from St. Louis, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for John O'Leary?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John O'Leary for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book John O'Leary for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John O'Leary or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


John O'Leary is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Success, Personal Growth and Business. The estimated speaking fee range to book John O'Leary for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. John O'Leary generally travels from St. Louis, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mike Eruzione, Carey Lohrenz and Mike Abrashoff. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John O'Leary for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 17/09/2026.

John O'Leary Speaking Topics

  • IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy

    Based on his #1 bestselling book, John O’Leary shows us how to rediscover our childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy.

    There was a time when we once joyfully raised our hand high to answer every question, believed that anything was possible and fearlessly jumped into new experiences. When we danced through our days in awe of the ordinary moments of the day and eager for the promise of tomorrow.

    Unfortunately, many of us experience life very differently today. With engagement within our professional organizations waning and burnout rising, many of us find ourselves caught in a life of dogged responsibility and mind-numbing repetition at work and at home. We feel disconnected and depleted.

    In this talk, based on his latest book In Awe, John:

    • Invites us to return to the joy and creativity of navigating life like a child
    • Defines the five senses children innately possess, explains why those senses fade, and shares emotional, humorous, and inspirational stories of how we can return to them.
    • Identifies the most substantial interpersonal challenges we face in living more fully and calls out the roots of those challenges, while providing practical and inspired solutions to address them.

  • ON FIRE: Ignite a Radically Inspired Life

    Best-selling author John O’Leary reminds us that just because we got out of bed this morning, does not mean that we are truly living.

    We live in a world where “accidental living” – mindlessly moving through routines, wasting countless hours on social media, or complaining about what’s wrong in our jobs, families, and society – has become the norm. But John reminds us that just because we got out of bed this morning, does not mean that we are truly living.

    What would our day, impact and output look like if we lived a radically inspired life, every, single day? Living radically inspired means you learn from past mistakes, rise above challenges, and thrive no matter the circumstances.

    No one embodies this more than powerhouse inspirational speaker John O’Leary - who was nearly killed in a devastating fire at age nine.

    In this talk, John:

    • Shares the critical truth that “inflection points” - moments in time that change everything that follows - occur daily.
    • Empowers audiences through mighty examples that life has far less to do with what happens to us, and much more to do with how we respond.
    • Uses key questions to explore the difference between a victim and victor mindset, sharing tactics for how to apply them in ways that can catalyze transformational growth in life and in your organization.

  • THE POWER OF ONE

    In John O’Leary’s most popular keynote, the #1 bestselling author shows us how one attitude, one action and one person can absolutely change the world.

    John was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, he created a massive explosion in his garage and was burned on 100% of his body. Given less than 1% chance of survival, John is proof of the power of the human spirit.

    His unlikely recovery meant a journey of pain and loss that could have easily been insurmountable. However, far from being an example of someone who simply endured tragedy, John is a luminous example of thriving through adversity.

    And surprisingly, this “survivor” story isn’t focused on John – rather, it is a celebration of heroes who intimately served him and his family. From a dedicated Hall of Fame sports announcer to a visionary burn nurse (and countless others), every individual involved in this 1987 fire teaches us this truth: One person can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

    In this talk, John uses emotional storytelling and unexpected humor to:

    • Remind us of the profound significance of daily attitudes, the power of gratitude, and the impact of serving others with courage.
    • Revitalize engagement by reminding us that our work matters to our loved ones, our organizations and our communities.
    • Reawaken audiences to realize the gift of today and the possibility of tomorrow.

  • BE THE LIGHT

    Bestselling author John O’Leary encourages us to lean into our faith and follow our calling to ‘Be the Light’ in the modern world.

    With the current global tensions, political unrest, fragmented communities and intensifying violence, today’s world can feel dark sometimes. No one understands the importance of having light in a dark world more than powerhouse inspirational speaker John O’Leary- who was nearly killed in a devastating fire at age nine. Today, John inspires 50,000+ people each year around the world at live and virtual events. In his faith-focused keynote Be the Light, John reminds us that light pushes back darkness, love destroys evil, God still reigns, and the best is yet to come. Most importantly, we’re reminded that we are called to be the light.

    In his keynote, John shares the keys to empower us to fulfill this calling. John’s poignant storytelling is a blend of emotion, humor and authenticity. His faith testimony beautifully illustrates the power of prayer and God’s presence during our times of greatest challenge.

    In this talk, John helps audiences to:

    • Energize their faith.
    • Hear an outside perspective on religious concepts.
    • Brainstorm ways to re-engage withdrawn community members.

John O'Leary Videos

Soul On Fire - Official Trailer
On Fire | John O'Leary
SAISD Convocation 2017 - Keynote by John O'Leary

John O'Leary Reviews

  • John was easy to work with offering opportunities to customize his presentation to fit our audience. I would highly recommend John to be part of other similar events.
    PracticeMatch - Jul 15 2026

  • John was incredible to work with. He was so kind and his message was extremely moving. Everyone who met him and amazing things to say about him.
    isolved - Jun 23 2026

  • John O’Leary is an exceptional person and speaker. He was totally engaging with the audience and was very well received by all. A magnificent person!
    FirstLight Home Care - Apr 21 2026

  • Wonderful!
    Summit Global Investments - Oct 03 2025

  • Everyone was great to work with and our group was so moved by John. He was a hit and we're grateful for the experience!
    United Aqua Group - Feb 19 2025

  • How do I book John O'Leary to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John O'Leary for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John O'Leary, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John O'Leary or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book John O'Leary for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for John O'Leary, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book John O'Leary are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire John O'Leary, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does John O'Leary speak about?

    John O'Leary is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Success, Personal Growth, Business, Business Leadership, Social Activism, Philanthropy, Human Resources, Healthcare, Virtual, Motivational, Leadership, Overcoming Adversity, Corporate Culture and Inspirational.
  • Where does John O'Leary travel from?

    John O'Leary generally travels from St. Louis, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for John O'Leary?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John O'Leary for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book John O'Leary for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John O'Leary or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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